eRnO

I am so looking forward to 7 days in Kauai in early April 06 with wifey and two dtrs aged 8 and 4. My mom's family is from Maui (some scattered on Oahu), but I'm a Californian. Excited to stay at the Marriott in Lihue, the birthtown of my grandmother back in 1915.

Helpful hints are what I'm looking for. Here goes an attempt of a very flexible itenerary:

Monday noon- arrive in Lihue; then either to Wailua falls or local eats for Saimin. Check into the Marriott; get acqainted, hang out by Kalapaki beach or the pool

Tues- kick back. Kalapaki or Lydgate for a day in the (hopefully) sun. Is Fern Grotta a tourist trap? Getting a very mixed review during my research.

Wed- North shore; Ke'e beach and Hanalei Bay...Wishing Well and Bali Hai are on the agenda. Would also like to take the kids on a short exploration of dry caves. Is the first viewpt of Ke'e on the Kalalau trail too much for a 4 yr old?

Thurs- Kayak Huleia or play around on Kalapaki Bay. Any turtles out there that can be seen by kayak? Afternoon at Poipu; lunch or early dinner at Keoki's Paradise. Sunset cocktail at the Point at the Sheraton.

Fri- Waimea Cyn and whatever else comes our way. Jo-Jo's for shave ice on the drive down. Would like to end up at Salt Pond Beach for more sun-fun and hopefully catch a sunset there.

Sat- Kauai Kids museum (heard it's closed on Sunday); and just wing it the rest of the day.

Sun- Brunch at the Marriott's Kukui's; more Kalapaki playing; but don't know what to do the remainder of the day until our 9 PM flight back to California. Suggestions.

Thanks for taking time to help out.

jamie99

Hi,

I think you will enjoy the Marriott in Lihue, we have a timeshare and go there every fall, this year going in September. Kalapaki Beach is very nice and the Marriott also has a nice pool and pool bar/snack shack as well.

It has been awhile since we went to the Fern Grotto, the boat trip was very enjoyable and not too expensive, but we were not that impressed by the grotto itself. I heard that some of the best of the vegatation was destroyed by Iniki.

Since you are staying at the Marriott, I would like to recommend Duke's over Keoki's in Poipu. The ownership is the same (very small chain mostly in Hawaii) but Duke's has good views, similar menu and great salad bar whereas Keoki's is in a shopping center.

May will be a great time for the North Shore and its beaches. We have eaten at Zelos in the past, but next trip we will find someplace else to eat there.

Have a great trip!

MBnancy

We go to both Dukes and Keoki's Paradise for dinner, both are fun. I suggest you go to the Hyatt for that sunset cocktail in Poipu. They have a free Keiki Hula show at 5 PM a couple nights a week on their Sunset Terrace, where the view is fabulous. Took our granddaughter to the show when staying there and she loved it. Go early and walk around the grounds.

iamq

I love your itinerary because it has lots of beach and down-time in it! 8-)

You and your kids might enjoy the Kilauea lighthouse. It is a great place to get out and stretch your legs, and watch the seabirds do their thing.

We ususally eat in the bar at Keoki's and love it (and we don't drink). It's cheaper, festive and the food is tasty.

In the Poipu Shopping Center where Keoki's is on Tuesdays and Thursdays (I think) there is a free music and hula show that is very worthwhile doing. I think it starts at 6pm.

-Bill

iamq

I noticed that you posted again, just wanted to make sure you saw these responses from yesterday.
-Bill

eRnO

i am new to Fodor's...typical dumb rookie mistake. thanks all for your input...glad to get some real first-hand reviews/opinions.